AYSO Alliance

What is AYSO Alliance? AYSO Alliance is an AYSO competitive program that allows teams to participate in external playing circuits while remaining fully connected to AYSO. It is the highest level of competitive play offered within AYSO. Teams are formed through open tryouts and selected players may compete in leagues such as US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and other approved State Association gaming circuits. Travel may be involved depending on the playing circuit, but it is not required. EXTRA should be used first where an EXTRA program is available and viable. Alliance teams remain AYSO teams and continue to follow AYSO’s Vision, Mission, Six Philosophies, and player safety standards. Alliance at a Glance Alliance at a Glance Tryout Based Teams are formed through open tryouts for players seeking higher competition. External Competition Teams compete in approved State Association leagues and club circuits. Still AYSO Alliance teams follow AYSO’s Six Philosophies and player-first standards. Alliance Compared to EXTRA AYSO EXTRA • Internal playing circuit • Competes against other AYSO teams • Used first when available • Competitive play within AYSO AYSO Alliance • External playing circuits • May compete against non-AYSO teams • Dual registration required • Highest competitive level in AYSO Player Eligibility Alliance teams are formed through open tryouts. Tryout dates vary based on local program needs and State Association rules. Player eligibility follows the current AYSO Membership Year school-year model using the August 1 age determination date. To Be Eligible, Players Must Be registered with AYSO Meet applicable State Association or playing circuit requirements Attend open tryouts to be considered for selection Program Structure Alliance may operate at the: Region level Area level Section level This depends on local structure, field space, demand, and access to an external competition circuit. Each program operates under the local Alliance Director and must follow AYSO Alliance Program Operations guidance. AYSO does not control external league rules or decisions. Program Expectations Alliance programs are expected to operate within both AYSO guidelines and the requirements of their approved playing circuit. Programs should ensure: Open tryouts for player selection Proper AYSO and State Association registration Certified and compliant coaches Required player cards and player documentation Financial accountability and oversight Player safety and risk management Continued commitment to AYSO’s Six Philosophies Local procedures may vary. State-specific rules should not be treated as National requirements. Starting an Alliance Program Alliance is a local program that operates within National standards. Before starting an Alliance program, Regions, Areas, and Sections should ensure there is player demand, field availability, and access to an appropriate external playing circuit. To Start an Alliance Program Complete the AYSO Alliance application Receive approval from the Area Director and Section Director Coordinate with the AYSO Office Identify an approved external playing circuit Meet required program standards Pay the applicable Alliance team fee Use uniforms with the approved AYSO Alliance logo Coach Selection and Requirements Alliance coaching positions should be posted each year. All Alliance coaches must: Follow the AYSO Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies Complete annual volunteer registration Meet compliance and risk management requirements Hold required coaching certifications Represent AYSO professionally Each team must have: One Head Coach One Assistant Coach A Team Manager is strongly recommended. Primary Program Giveback Alliance should strengthen the Primary Program, not separate from it. Examples include: Coach education support Referee participation Tournament support EPIC support General volunteer service Regional development support Specific expectations should be coordinated locally.